How Does a Flat Wart Develop?

What Is a Flat Wart?

A flat wart, also known as verruca plana, is a common growth that occurs when your body comes into contact with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and becomes infected. Though not highly contagious, these warts can still commonly be spread, and can take up to 2 to 3 years to go away on their own. In most cases, flat warts are harmless. However, in a few cases, they may become itchy or sore, especially if tampered with.

How It Develops

A flat wart develops when a break in the skin comes into contact with HPV. The HPV enters the skin and causes the outer skin to become thicker than the surrounding skin. This gives the look of a flat, rounded wart. After the first infection, the wart can easily spread to other areas of the face or onto the rest of the body, especially the hands, by touch.

How It Spreads

Though not highly contagious, flat warts can still be spread from person to person by touching the surface of the wart and then touching part of the body that has an open sore; or in some cases by touching an object that was recently touched by someone who is infected. Shaving or scratching can spread and multiply the warts on the already infected individual. Warts can be spread sexually between partners, and may also be spread through the communal use of towels.

Methods of Treatment

There are many treatment options for warts. In general, allowing the wart to go away on its own is the best course of action. If the wart is particularly bothersome, various actions may be taken. Over-the-counter medications containing high amounts of salicylic acid can help dissolve the wart, while common freeze sprays work, but not when the infection involves more than a few warts. In some cases, even duct tape left on the skin for a few days may be able to remove the warts. However, in all of these methods, the chances of scarring or skin damage are high.

Resources

• Additional Information on Flat Warts